Hideaway Bay brings a gentler change of pace to a Similan itinerary: a sloping reef, sandy spaces and smaller subjects among the coral. It lies south of Island 5, near the island 5–6 area. The shallower reef and the deeper features are different options, rather than one dive that suits everyone.
Dive dates appear when the writer supplied them. Earlier stories keep their original words and have no newly assigned ratings.
A reef with room to settle in
Similan Diving Safaris describes Hideaway as a regular check-dive location, with a sloping reef meeting a flat, sandy bottom. That gives the first dive of a trip a practical purpose: getting comfortable with equipment and the underwater environment before tackling more exposed sites.
Shallow reef and deeper features
Raya Divers describes a 10–20-metre reef dive south of Island 5, starting on a sandy slope with coral and changing to rockier scenery. Its account separately places the Tuna wreck at 28 metres. Similan Diving Safaris gives the broader site a 10–35-metre range. These descriptions cover different parts of the area; neither makes the whole bay a shallow dive.
Life among the coral and sand
The original Divezone description highlights reef life, groupers and the appeal of looking closely among the coral. Raya’s account mentions morays and rays, with possible reef-shark sightings around the boulders. A slow reef dive has plenty of interest without depending on a large-animal encounter.
A check dive still needs the right conditions
Being used for check dives is not a promise of still water or suitability for every new diver. The operator chooses the depth and route for the day’s conditions and the group’s recent experience. A deeper wreck visit needs its own plan; it is not an automatic extension of a shallow reef dive.
Access and nearby closures
The site appears in local operators’ Similan dive programmes. The actual departure must confirm the named stop and current park access. Nearby Anita’s Reef has a separate named closure in the DNP 2026 list; a visit to Hideaway does not establish permission to dive Anita’s Reef.
Non-divers and night dives
Older descriptions also mention snorkelling and night diving. A current boat offer needs to confirm those activities separately, including supervision, acceptance aboard and passenger fares. A daytime dive programme alone does not establish an evening dive or a suitable snorkelling stop.
Questions about Hideaway Bay
Where is Hideaway Bay?
Raya Divers places it south of Similan Island 5; other operators describe the broader island 5–6 area.
Is the entire site shallow?
No. Operators describe shallower reef dives as well as deeper features. Raya places the Tuna wreck at 28 metres, separately from its 10–20-metre reef description.
Why is Hideaway used for check dives?
Similan Diving Safaris describes a sloping reef and flat sandy bottom where divers can settle into their equipment and the underwater environment.
Does Hideaway access mean Anita’s Reef is open?
No. Anita’s Reef is separately named in the DNP 2026 closure list. Its historical profile and current restriction are explained on the linked Anita’s Reef page.
Updated 13 November 2026. Sources: Raya Divers site profile; Similan Diving Safaris site guide; DNP 2026 closure list.
Best time to dive: the ideal period to plan holidays here is October to November. Access: Boat. See the map of Hide away Bay on the right for the exact location.
Fishes you may spot while diving Hide away Bay
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Grouper
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Lion Fish
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Scorpion Fish
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Stonefish
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Turtle
... and more fishes & sea life, Ray, Reef Shark
Photos
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Beautiful & Colorful Mandarin FishPhoto by Rich Guest -
Yellow Seahorse in Lembeh StraitPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Clown fishes waiting in front of their blue anemone housePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Blacktip Shark patrolling the crystal clear water... EPIC photo!Photo by Yann Hubert -
Huge Hammerhead Shark patrolling the reef in French PolynesiaPhoto by Yann Hubert -
Lion Fish swimming in crystal clear waterPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Surreal LifePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Grouper RestingPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
White StonefishPhoto by Jihye Lee -
BusyPhoto by Matthieu Billaud
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